Chapter 2

To gather money for my mother’s medical bills, I called a few of my closest friends.

But those who were usually so enthusiastic now avoided me like the plague. After much prodding, they finally sighed:

“Seraphina told us not to lend you any money, Liam. She's got everyone under her thumb, what can we do?”

“If you ask me, you should just swallow your pride and grovel to Seraphina. With her temper, she’ll probably forgive you.”

“Seraphina controls everything now. Your mom’s lived for decades, it wouldn’t be a loss if she died. But you’re still young. If you cross her, what will your future be like?”

…

After talking to them, I received a payment notice from the hospital. The doctor said if I didn’t pay the medical fees soon, they’d cut off my mother’s nutritional support.

I stood aimlessly on the street. It was the scorching heat of summer, but my heart felt chillingly suffocated, a coldness flowing through my veins.

My phone rang. Seraphina’s voice came through:

“Liam, Jaxon is waiting for his competition!”

“I’m giving you one day to find the dog, or don’t blame me for cutting off our marriage ties!”

“Seraphina, don’t be mean to Liam.” Jaxon’s voice echoed through the phone. “It’s just a competition. If it helps Liam calm down, I don’t mind missing it. It’s just a shame about all the training you’ve given me over the years.”

Hearing this, Seraphina’s voice grew even colder:

“Liam, bring the dog back before dark tomorrow. This is my final ultimatum!”

“Otherwise, expect to see your mother’s corpse!”

The call disconnected. I collapsed onto the ground in despair. Cold sweat trickled down my hair.

Thinking of my mother in the operating room, I clutched my phone, feeling overwhelmed by confusion and helplessness.

Turns out, vows only mean something when love is still in the picture.

My phone vibrated again, a text message:

[Mr. Davies: Hello, Mr. Turner. Your mother's shares held with us have matured. As per her instructions, we are now transferring them all to you.]